SWANNANOA, N.C. — President Donald Trump is expected to visit western North Carolina Friday four days after he was sworn into office.
Channel 9′s Dave Faherty was in Black Mountain and Swannanoa Thursday talking with people still recovering from the Helene
During Trump’s inaugural address, Trump spoke about North Carolina after Helene devastated several towns across the western part of the state and killed more than 100 people.
Faherty saw some of the damage along the Swannanoa River where homes were gone and folks were living in campers.
He also visited a comfort station set up by the county so people could shower and have a place to wash their clothes.
Supporters and people who do not support the president told Faherty the same thing, which was that they were glad Trump will be in western North Carolina.
Destiny Clark showed Fahety the bruising on her hand months after she said her home was swept away by flooding and she was pinned by a tree.
She wants Trump to know this: “We still need a lot of help here in Swannanoa. We’re far from being OK. There’s a lot of people that didn’t get the help that they deserved.”
Michelle Clark lives in a camper now with her two dogs after high waters destroyed her home. She is thankful to the strangers who donated it and knows what she would tell the president.
“He needs to help others that are less fortunate than I am,” Clark said. “There are people out there who still don’t have a place to be, and I do feel sorry for those and they’re in my prayers.”
Larry Burnette is the first to admit he is not a fan of Trump.
He’s using the comfort station set up by the county.
“Just help the people in the area,” he said. “There’s still a lot of people hurting … needing assistance.”
Trump spoke about western North Carolina during his inauguration.
Veteran Sarge Stewart is looking forward to his visit.
Stewart is back in his home after volunteers rebuilt it. His Trump banner hangs out front.
“Fly around, ride around, and look at the place,” Stewart said. “I feel bad for a lot of the people.”
Buncombe County officials said people should expect possible traffic issues between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Trump visited the Asheville area twice during the 2024 presidential campaign, including a visit to Swannanoa in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
The president is also expected to head to California after visiting North Carolina.
The White House has not yet released any details about Trump’s visit.
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